From May 26 to 28, 2025, the 2025 Regional Conference of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) was held at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The conference convened over 200 experts and scholars from public policy schools, government agencies, and enterprises worldwide.

As part of the conference, the China-Arab Network of Schools of Public Policy and Administration (CANSPPA) and the Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP) at Fudan University jointly organized a roundtable forum themed of “New Approaches in Modern Times: The China-Arab Network of Schools of Public Policy and Administration (CANSPPA).” The forum was chaired by Professor Mark Robbins, Fudan Chair Professor at IGPP. Speakers included Professor Noha El-Mikawy, Dean of the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) at the American University in Cairo (AUC); Associate Professor Ayhab Saad, Dean of the School of Economics, Administration and Public Policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies; Associate Professor Shujun Jiang from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU); and Associate Professor Haoqi Qian from IGPP.

At the opening of the roundtable forum, Professor Yijia Jing, President of CANSPPA and Dean of IGPP, delivered a speech via video. Professor Jing introduced the founding background and mission of CANSPPA, highlighting the association's recent dynamic academic exchange activities driven by the joint efforts of Chinese and Arab scholars and institutional members. He emphasized that CANSPPA will continue to pursue innovative collaborations with international organizations, national and local governments in China and the Arab world, as well as enterprises and non-profit organizations. He also warmly invited all participants to attend the upcoming MPA and MPP Program Development Workshop, which will be co-hosted by CANSPPA and NASPAA at Fudan University in late June.

During the presentation session, Associate Professor Qian introduced the background and development of IGPP and elaborated on its leading role in CANSPPA. He highlighted initiatives in talent cultivation, scholarship support, and academic collaboration, and proposed directions for future cooperation. Professor El-Mikawy shared AUC’s participation in CANSPPA activities and underscored the strategic significance of the network. Associate Professor Saad reviewed academic events and personnel exchanges since CANSPPA’s inception and shared his vision for expanding membership and deepening cooperation. Associate Professor Jiang provided a concise overview of her involvement in CANSPPA’s preparatory and academic work, identifying potential areas for further collaboration.

During the open discussion session, Professor Mohamad Alkadry, President of NASPAA, expressed strong recognition for the establishment of CANSPPA. He engaged in interactive dialogue with the panelists on topics such as how to expand the network’s membership and how to provide support to its members in the future. Attendees at the forum acknowledged the achievements CANSPPA has made since its founding in 2023 and expressed great interest in future collaboration.